Just to remind everyone out there that BlackDogTribe.com is still cooking and still hooking up like-minded people to support each other or just talk to someone like them. I originally set it up a few years ago because during my shows the audience would ask questions; “What do I say to my kid/friend/co-worker?” “Should I take drugs?” “Who can I go to for help?” I had a free walk-in each week where I’d supply experts on the brain and a whole band of volunteers from Sane to answer individual questions. I really wanted to start walk-in centres everywhere but because a lot of people don’t want to admit anything is wrong or feel that shame we all feel, the next best thing was to create an anonymous on-line community where people can meet people who suffer the same symptoms. That means care-takers can talk to other care-takers and give each other advice on what to say besides “perk up” (that’s a killer). People who can’t get out of bed can talk to others who can’t lift themselves up and out. It’s such a relief to talk to your tribe who will never get bored talking about how they feel. People who haven’t got a mental illness can get bored or feel helpless so it’s such a relief to talk to your own kind. Last year I handed BlackDogTribe to Marjorie Wallace who runs Sane, an incredible charity where they have a continual hot-line for support and how to get help among other things. She is an angel and worked 30 years to create Sane. I hope you all join the BlackDogTribe so you do not feel so alone.

Another great idea and I think the " walk in " would be hugely beneficial to so many many people, the rub is, as you say, others who do not suffer from mental illness judging people they see enter!! And that is the last thing you need when already feeling vulnerable.
Xx

Ruby, Thank you for helping to give 'people like us' a voice. You are helping to save lives. I am so happy to have found your website today. I don't know why I never looked before. I want to help people too, if I can in some way, shape or form, and BlackDogTribe sounds like a great idea. DM x

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I know this is an older post but with the mention of the Black Dog Tribe website which is now run by Sane, I wanted to point you in in the direction of a single I've released with all proceeds going to the charity.
http://news.incantusmedia.com/news/3499-dont-try-charity-single.aspx

Reply

Mental Health

7/3/2015 05:33:59 am

My mental health has been deteriorating for many years (20). The NHS have not helped like they should. I have been left to rot for 10 years on sickness benefit. All I wanted this whole time was to get well. I have trained in so many disciplines such as psychology, counselling and mindfulness in order to try an help myself.

I have tried to much to get better. I have spent a lot of money on private therapy as the NHS failed me so many times.

Me and a friend are now considering setting ourselves alight because we are struggling so much. No support. It will hopefully highlight the fact that I am struggling.

Most people I know that get help either:
a) Attempt suicide
b) Seriously harm another person OR
c) Are rich and get help at The Priory (nothing wrong with rich people or the priory).

Going the 'normal' route to get support just doesn't seem to work. I was once told by a psychiatrist that in THEIR eyes I wasn't ill enough. My GP counsellor said I was too ill! So I therefore didn't get help.

Most people I know with mental health issues have been let down by the NHS. We need to expose this and highlight this.

Reply

Mark Hennessy

20/5/2015 12:20:06 am

Hey mate. I am Australian, we say mate a lot here, so I don't know if setting yourself alight is slang for something else in your neck of the woods. If you are talking about the whole pouring petrol on yourself thing please don't do that dude. Then you will have depression and bloody agony as well. Try exercise. By that I mean give up sugar, get off your arse and go outside, A LOT! Take care man. Henno

Reply

Mark Hennessy

21/5/2015 11:02:51 am

SELF HARM ALERT! Hey ppl. I am doing fine at the moment but when I navigated to ruby's blog it took me to a page where the last post is from a person who identifies as Mental Health and he mentioned setting himself alight. On Australian sites when this is mentioned we usually rally behind that person to show support, even though we are aware of attention seeking trollers down under. If this poor person was honest thinking of burning himself and his only attempt at reaching out was met with silence because Ruby has handed over to Sane or something that's bloody not on! If he is reading this my name really is Mark Hennessy. I am on facebook mate. Picture is a guy surfing a right hander on an orange board.